Taipei’s Low-Key Minimalist Bistro: Crispy, Juicy Quail Pasta

▲ The quail pasta was absolutely worth the trip!

Text and photos by /Kuni

This time, I came specifically to try the pasta at Popina. Although the menu is set to be updated in November, I couldn’t wait and returned to the familiar alleyway for lunch.

The menu.

Pickled vegetables.

I didn’t eat much for lunch, so I ordered just one dish —Spicy Smoked Bacon Quail Handmade Thin Spaghetti (NT$460).

I changed the side soup to a single order, and the new ingredients—shrimp with rouge and clams—were exciting. It didn’t take long before the pasta arrived, and from the careful presentation and plating, I already had high expectations. There were two quail legs and two pre-trimmed quail wings, perfectly cooked. With the first bite, I enjoyed the slightly crispy skin and the tender, springy meat of the legs.

The skin was delightfully crispy—it must have been lightly grilled before serving, which really helped preserve the juiciness of the quail leg meat. So satisfying. The pasta itself wasn’t my favorite in terms of texture, which was a bit of a shame. The sauce might look intense in flavor, but it actually isn’t. Instead, it maintains Popina’s signature mild style, which is instantly recognizable and quite different from Reel, another bistro. Though their personalities are completely different, I love them both equally!

The tomato seafood soup was amazing!

Quail pasta.

Carefully plated.

POPINA Bistro
Address: No. 1, Lane 6, Alley 13, Section 1, Nanjing East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2567-6623
Hours: 12:00–14:30, 17:45–22:30

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